Crispy Air Fryer Cauliflower

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This post was first published on Delightfully Low Carb.

Crispy Air Fryer Cauliflower is so easy to make in the air fryer and it’s a great healthy side dish or snack that makes cauliflower taste like a treat.

Cauliflower dipped in sauce
Crispy air fryer cauliflower

We make a lot of cauliflower around here because popping it in the air fryer to crisp it up is so fast and tasty. It makes the perfect side dish for just about any meal, so it’s a definitely go-to. This air fryer broccoli can be made the same way.

I’ve always been a big fan of roasted cauliflower. It brings out the sweet flavor of the veggie and makes it almost addictive to eat, unlike it’s raw self. Seriously, unless I’m dipping it in Ranch dressing, I really don’t want to eat raw cauliflower. Air Fryer Cauliflower, on the other hand, is a recurring star on our dinner table.

You’ll see why once you’ve made a batch of crispy air fryer cauliflower. It takes just 10 minutes to make this tasty side dish. You can dress it up with any dip you want, or add seasonings like Cajun seasoning, Za’atar, or Chinese Five Spice, which ensures that your cauliflower will never be boring. You might also like these bbq cauliflower wings!

cooked cauliflower

Why You’ll Love It

  • Air Fryer Cauliflower is the perfect low-carb and keto friendly snack because there’s nothing to it but the vegetable itself. The air fryer allows you to achieve crispy roasted cauliflower without any oil or breading.
  • The air fryer works wonders in achieving that coveted crispy texture on cauliflower. By using the air fryer instead of traditional frying methods, you significantly cut down on the amount of oil needed to achieve that crispy exterior.
  • Crispy cauliflower is not only a fantastic side dish but also makes for a crowd-pleasing appetizer or snack. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce, like creamy ranch or spicy sriracha mayo, for an extra flavor boost.

Emily says: 5 stars This crispy air fryer recipe is so delicious! The dry rub is so flavorful and the method to make this is so simple!

Angela says: 5 stars These are super addicting! Loving all of the flavors and super impressed with how crispy these came out. So good, will definitely make again!

Try these Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower bites for something a little different.

Ingredients in Crispy Cauliflower

The dry seasoning mix is what adds the flavor to this recipe. The great thing about this mix is that all of these spices are common ingredients that you probably have in your spice rack.

  • Cauliflower – You need one head of cauliflower. Make sure to cut them into bite-sized pieces.
  • Seasoning – The seasonings are up to you. We like a mixture of paprika, salt & black pepper, chili powder, onion powder, mustard powder.

Equipment Information

Helpful Tips

  • Cut the cauliflower into bite-sized pieces. They will cook better being all the same size and they will be easier to eat.
  • Toss the cauliflower to make sure the seasoning makes it onto each piece.
  • Don’t overcrowd the basket. You want the air to circulate to make each piece crispy.
  • Check cauliflower half way through and adjust time to your preference.
air fryer crispy cauliflower

Crispy Air Fryer Cauliflower

Crispy Air Fryer Cauliflower is so easy to make in the air fryer and it's a great healthy side dish.
4.9 from 41 votes
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings 6 servings
Calories 26 kcal

Equipment

Ingredients
 

  • 1 head cauliflower cut into small pieces
  • 1 teaspoon (2 g) paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon (1 g) black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon (0.5 g) mild chili powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon (0.5 g) onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon (1 g) mustard powder

Instructions
 

  • Cut the cauliflower into bite-sized pieces.
  • Combine the seasonings in a bowl.
  • Sprinkle the seasoning mix onto the cauliflower and spread it out in the air fryer basket. Spray lightly with cooking oil.
  • Set the air fryer to 400°F(205°C) and cook for 10 minutes. Flip the pieces at the halfway point.

Notes

  • Cut the cauliflower into bite-sized pieces. They will cook better being all the same size and they will be easier to eat.
  • Toss the cauliflower to make sure the seasoning makes it onto each piece.
  • Don’t overcrowd the basket. You want the air to circulate to make each piece crispy.
  • Check cauliflower half way through and adjust time to your preference.
  • Cooking times will vary from model to model.

All air fryers have different wattage and may cook at different rates. You may need to adjust the time or temp for the best results.

Nutrition

Calories: 26kcalCarbohydrates: 5gProtein: 2gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 30mgPotassium: 294mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 51IUVitamin C: 47mgCalcium: 23mgIron: 1mg
Keyword Air Fryer, Cauliflower
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Sauces for Air Fryer Cauliflower

If you’re planning to serve this air fryer cauliflower as a snack or appetizer, you have to have a dipping sauce. That’s what makes it so fun.

There are a lot of great choices, because cauliflower goes with just about anything. Try our honey mustard, Ranch dressing, BBQ Sauce, or our favorite Yum Yum Sauce.

In the picture above, we’re dipping our cauliflower in Bang Bang sauce, which we also serve with Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp.

finished cauliflower

More Great Air Fryer Snacks

Air fryer snacks can be easy to make and the perfect crunchy bite to satisfy any guest. This list is just a few of our favorite snacks.

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15 thoughts on “Crispy Air Fryer Cauliflower

  1. Catherine says:

    5 stars
    I wish I had this to snack on right now! I don’t have an air fryer sadly but these look so delicious!

  2. Emily says:

    5 stars
    This crispy air fryer recipe is so delicious! The dry rub is so flavorful and the method to make this is so simple!

  3. Angela says:

    5 stars
    These are super addicting! Loving all of the flavors and super impressed with how crispy these came out. So good, will definitely make again!

  4. Aimee Mars says:

    5 stars
    I’ve never tried cauliflower in the air fryer. Would you say it comes out crunchy like a chip or is it crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside? I bet my family would love this recipe.

    • Angela says:

      Hi Aimee, it comes out crisp on the outside and softer on the inside. My kids love it! I think your family will to. 🙂

4.93 from 41 votes (41 ratings without comment)

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